Pakistan cuts mango export target by nearly 30%

June 02, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan’s mango export season has begun under significant strain, with exporters reducing this year’s export target by nearly 30%  due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, soaring freight charges, climate-related challenges, and declining fruit production.

However, industry representatives warn that the sector is facing one of its toughest export seasons in recent years.

The export target has been revised downward to 80,000 tons from 110,000 tons recorded last year, reflecting the extraordinary difficulties confronting the trade, according to Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA).

The reduction is expected to significantly impact export earnings, which are projected to decline to between $75 million and $80 million this season, compared to approximately $110 million generated last year, APP reported.

It was highlighted that regional instability has disrupted access to key Gulf markets, which account for nearly 35% of Pakistan’s mango exports.

The Gulf region is expected to be among the hardest-hit destinations due to the fallout from escalating tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East.

A sharp increase in transportation costs has further strained exporters already dealing with rising production expenses.

Sea freight charges to Gulf markets have surged from around $1,200–$1,400 per container last season to as much as $6,000–$7,000 this year. Similarly, air freight rates have more than doubled, increasing from 70–90 cents per kilogram to nearly $2 per kilogram.

The burden has been compounded by higher domestic fuel prices, which have increased transportation costs from orchards to packing houses and ports.

Despite the challenging environment, it was emphasized that efforts would continue to safeguard Pakistan’s presence in both traditional and emerging export markets.

Concerns were also expressed over the closure of trade routes through Afghanistan, with warnings that exports to Afghanistan and Central Asian states could be adversely affected.

At the same time, the possibility of increased exports to Iran was highlighted, provided that greater coordination is achieved on quarantine procedures and regulatory requirements between the two countries.

Appreciation was also expressed for the decision by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to maintain the official June 1 export start date despite calls for an earlier season.

The move was viewed as crucial for ensuring that Pakistani mangoes reach international markets fully matured, thereby preserving their renowned taste, aroma and quality.

Beyond trade-related concerns, attention was drawn to deeper structural issues affecting the industry. Climate change, erratic weather patterns and weak disease resistance in existing orchards were cited as factors that have steadily reduced mango production over the past five years.

This year’s crop is expected to be around 20% lower than Pakistan’s average annual production of 1.9 million tons, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The need for urgent government intervention was underscored, with calls for increased investment in research and development, improved orchard management practices and stronger support for quality enhancement initiatives.

Waheed Ahmed also stressed that Pakistan possesses significant untapped potential to expand mango exports if fruit quality is improved and growers are provided with better technical guidance.

The importance of coordinated efforts among farmers, exporters and policymakers was highlighted as essential to addressing the challenges facing one of Pakistan’s most valuable horticultural exports.

To achieve the revised export target of 80,000 tons, robust support from relevant authorities was described as critical.

With vessel schedules disrupted and shipping services affected by the regional crisis, the need for timely measures to facilitate freight movement, expedite port clearances and strengthen engagement with Gulf buyers was emphasized.

It was warned that without coordinated efforts to resolve logistical bottlenecks, even the reduced export target could remain difficult to achieve, potentially resulting in further losses to Pakistan’s export earnings and global market share.

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